Portuguese Phrase
Meus pais, dois irmãos e eu.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to list the members of your immediate family in Portuguese. It demonstrates the use of masculine plural forms to refer to groups and the correct placement of the first-person pronoun at the end of a list.
When to use
Use this phrase when introducing your family composition or explaining who lives in your household. It is appropriate for both formal introductions and casual conversations with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Meuspaisdoisirmãoseeu
Meus (Possessive)
This is the masculine plural form of 'my'. It must agree with 'pais', which is a masculine plural noun.
Irmãos (Plurality)
In Portuguese, the masculine plural 'irmãos' can refer specifically to brothers or to siblings in general (mixed gender).
Pronoun 'eu'
Always use 'eu' at the end of a list when you are the subject. Unlike English 'me', 'mim' cannot be used in this context.
🗨In Conversation
Quem mora na sua casa?
Who lives in your house?
Meus pais, dois irmãos e eu.
My parents, two brothers and I.
✕Common Mistakes
Minha pais, dois irmãos e eu.
Possessive pronouns must agree in gender with the noun; 'pais' is masculine, so 'meus' must be used.
Meus pais, dois irmãos e mim.
When you are part of the subject performing an action or being described, use 'eu' instead of the object pronoun 'mim'.
↔Alternatives
Somos cinco: meus pais, dois irmãos e eu.
There are five of us: my parents, two brothers and I.
Eu moro com meus pais e dois irmãos.
I live with my parents and two brothers.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, family is central to social life. When listing family members, it is common to start with parents out of respect. Also, 'irmãos' is used for a group of brothers or a mixed group of brothers and sisters.